MANILA, Sept 6 (PNA) — The Manila International Airport Authority said on Sunday that the 40 passengers hurt in a Qatar Airways landing glitch at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Saturday afternoon did not have their seat belts on.
“Flight QR 932 from Doha, Qatar encountered clear air turbulence while on flight, causing minor injuries to at least 40 passengers who did not have their seat belts on,” the MIAA said.
MIAA also said that additional information from the airline stated that its flight QR 932 aircraft experienced air turbulence in mid-flight.
The authority explained that clear air turbulence, which is associated with high altitude flights, cannot be detected by instruments, unlike turbulence due to bad weather.
“The sign of clear air turbulence is a bumpy ride in a clear, cloudless sky. Its strength could not be determined until it hits the aircraft,” MIAA pointed out.
MIAA said that wearing one’s seat belt during the course of a flight can prevent physical harm associated with such unexpected turbulence.
It further noted that the pilot requested priority landing and medical assistance as the flight was 30 miles out of Manila at 3:18 p.m. on Saturday.
The aircraft landed at 3:34 p.m. and made its return trip in the evening of the same day.
Meanwhile, MIAA said that medical attention was immediately given to the injured passengers. (PNA)